HAWAII has been told to “prepare for the worst and hope for the best” as Hurricane Lane barrels across the Pacific Ocean with destructive winds of up to 150mph.

Forecasters have warned there could be direct impact over the next 48 hours, with the current forecast showing Hurricane Lane.

It was 675 miles southwest of Honolulu and travelling at 12mph on Monday evening, starting to turn northwest and closer to the islands.

AccuWeather warned although it may only be a Category 1 hurricane - bringing winds of at least 74mph - if it strikes or passes close to the Hawaiian islands, it could still dump as much as 10 inches of rain, damage trees, power lines, homes and businesses.

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"Some people might say, 'Another hurricane, it didn't hit us last time, we don’t need to worry.' No, we got to plan for the worst and hope for the best."

"With the change in track, it's gonna get closer. We are going to feel the impacts, maybe tropical force winds, rain, those kinds of things.

"But remember Iniki, it took a jog. It looked it was gonna hit Oahu, then hit Kauai. We don't wanna say, 'Ah, no need to worry' and something bad happens and people are gonna be outraged, so we need to be prepared.”

The city is already checking streams and other waterways for possible blockages in an effort to prevent flash flooding, and is urging residents to ensure they have disaster preparation kits on hand and to discuss emergency plans with family members.

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Hurricane Lane latest: The strong winds and rain are unlikely to trigger an eruption from Kilauea (Image: GETTY)

Several areas of Kauai's north shore are still recovering from heavy floods in April that destroyed several homes, buildings and roads.

The city’s officials are urging residents to get informed and begin precautionary measures.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. said: “We are very aware of the current challenges regarding access on Kuhio Highway in Wainiha, and the additional concerns of landslides that could occur with the approaching storm system.

“At this time we are encouraging all people islandwide to start preparing and to stay tuned to further updates.”

The Central Pacific Hurricane Centre had warned in its latest update: "All of the reliable model guidance now indicates that Lane will begin to make a gradual turn to the west-northwest by Wednesday, with a gradual slowing in forward speed.

"A more decided turn toward the northwest is expected Thursday, with relatively slow-moving Lane now forecast to move dangerously close to the main Hawaiian Islands."

AccuWeather also echoed concerns of a direct hit that are increasing all the time, that could batter Hawaii with heavy rain, flash flooding and mudslides.

Its meteorologists say Hurricane Lane will likely track about 100 miles southwest of the Big Island, but there is still a risk of a direct hit.